Development and regeneration of salivary gland toward for clinical application

Abstract

Salivary gland hypofunction, also termed as xerostomia, is caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or Sjögren's syndrome, leading to a detrimental impact on oral health and quality of life. This review describes current studies on salivary gland development and the translational approaches of basic science to treating patients with dysfunction and hypofunction of the salivary gland. Here, we review the most recent studies that have offered better insight into the mechanisms of salivary gland development and regeneration. Furthermore, we highlight proposed approaches with the aim of recovering salivary gland function using both gene- and cell-based therapy. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms involved in salivary gland development is necessary in order to design effective therapies for regeneration and repair of damaged salivary glands.